Start off a new year with new connections and possibly even a new outlook at Heavy-Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW), Jan. 19-22, at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, Texas.
“For 2026, our team’s primary goal is to continue strengthening the relationships we’ve been building over the past year and to make the most of every networking opportunity,” says Nick Seidel, vice president of Action Truck Parts and one of the co-chairs of the event. “I’m focused on truly engaging with the audience and creating an experience that resonates. And, of course, I plan to look good standing next to Matt on stage.”
Matt is Matt Wolfe, president, Americas at SAF-Holland. He said the team is focused on delivering the best HDAW yet.
One-on-one business meetings are one of the many networking opportunities HDAW offers.
“We’re committed to raising the bar and creating an unforgettable experience for everyone attending,” Wolfe says.
HDAW 2026 kicks off Jan. 19 with its all-industry reception, following a full day of discussion at the Heavy Duty Aftermarket Dialogue presented by MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers and MacKay & Company.
HDAW opens in earnest on Tuesday, with speakers, one-on-one meeting opportunities, a product expo and more. It continues on Wednesday with education sessions and plenty of networking opportunities. The theme this year is “Eyes on the Road: Data-Driven Decision-Making,” centered on the importance of data, artificial intelligence (AI) and predictive modeling in navigating market volatility.
“With rising costs and shifting demand, both distributors and suppliers rely on smarter, data-driven strategies to make more informed decisions,” Seidel says.
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In keeping with the theme, the keynote speaker this year is Noelle Russell of the AI Leadership Institute. She is an award-winning TEDx speaker, bestselling author and was named the top agentic AI leader in 2025.
The HDAWomen reception fetes women in the heavy-duty aftermarket.
“She’ll be diving into how our industry is evolving with the rise of AI, and she has fantastic stories from her time leading teams at companies like Amazon and Microsoft,” Wolfe says.
Beyond its educational components, Wolfe says this year’s HDAW also offers days of networking opportunity for attendees to take advantage of, from the one-on-one meetings to more social events, such as the networking lunches, product expo and targeted events like the HDAWomen reception and the Leaders of Tomorrow program.
HDAW’s social activities wrap up with the Wild West Wednesday Reception.
“The Wednesday closing reception is returning to the Gaylord this year as a late-night celebration we’re calling ‘Wild West Wednesday,’” Seidel says. Previously, the event has been held at Globe Life Field, home of the Texas Rangers, and at AT&T Stadium, where the Dallas Cowboys play. “The event is free for all HDAW participants and kicks off at 8 p.m. We encourage everyone to grab dinner, then come back to enjoy live music, games and even some line dancing as we wrap up another great HDAW.”
The co-chairs are eager for the event to get underway.
“It’s the best opportunity all year to connect with key decision-makers — on both the supplier and distributor sides,” Seidel says. “HDAW is the one time everyone in the industry is in the same place, making it invaluable for building relationships and driving business forward.
